Approval set for homes on pub site

PLANS to build homes on the site of a pub look likely to get the thumbs up despite objections by more than 350 residents.

Two planning applications to redevelop the disused Bennett Arms pub, in London Road, Chesterton, above right, were abandoned last year following opposition from council planners and scores of residents.

A third application to build seven homes on the site will go before Newcastle Borough Council's planning committee on Tuesday, where it is being recommended for approval.

But residents have vowed to fight the proposed development all the way.

They fear the buildings would be crammed in and cause problems with traffic and parking in their neighbourhood.

Holditch Community Association has collected a 340-name petition against the development.

The group is concerned about the additional traffic the homes would bring to Leech Avenue, an area they say is already blighted with traffic using it as a rat-run to and from the Lymedale Business Park.

They also say there are houses old and new that have remained unsold for months in the Holditch area and new properties are not needed, particularly in a recession.

Secretary Elaine Lovatt said: "I don't think the site is big enough for seven homes. We think it is overdevelopment."

The plans involve demolishing the pub and building five, three-bedroom houses and two, two-bedroom homes in its place.

A further 17 letters of objection to the plans have been sent to the council from residents, including one from the Potteries Pub Preservation Group.

Spokesman Mervyn Edwards, pictured, said: "Our main concern is that there isn't really another pub in this particular part of Chesterton.

"A pub is a community facility and we should be doing all we can to maintain them and keep them open.

"Once it's knocked down, it's lost forever."

No objections to the development have been submitted by highways officials.

Applicant Chesterton Development Company says it has worked with the planning authority to address concerns raised over previous applications.

Planners are recommending the scheme is given the go-ahead at next week's meeting, subject to a number of conditions.

No-one at Chesterton Development Company was available for comment.